Peach Tree Times

Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a percentage point during July, putting it in the neighborhood of pre-pandemic levels and nearly two full points below the national average of 5.4 percent.

The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) reported that the state’s unemployment rate stands at 3.7 percent, compared to 3.6 percent in March before the COVID-19 crisis began in earnest.

In July, 6,000 new workers were added, increasing the overall labor force to over 5.71 million, up 204,000 since July 2020, the DOL said. The number of employed residents across the state also rose by 21,000, up 389,170 since July of last year to 4,977,053.

Gov. Brian Kemp | Facebook/Gov. Brian Kemp

The DOL said the number of jobs increased by 43,600 in July alone.

"After ending Georgia's participation in the federal unemployment insurance programs in June, the state has seen growth of almost 84,000 jobs and has seen a 300% increase in the number of people employed from June to July,"  Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said in the DOL release. "We are seeing all-time high job numbers in many sectors. The job market is saturated with opportunities for job seekers, and we are working to connect employers with candidates for long-term employment."

Sectors showing the largest over-the-month job gains included Accommodation and Food Services (15,200), Administrative and Support Services (7,100) Local Government (2,900) and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (2,200).

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted the state’s falling unemployment rate, which now includes a streak of 14 straight months.

“Georgia’s economic momentum continues as jobs increase and our unemployment rate remains the lowest of the 10 most populous states,” Kemp told ValdostaToday.com. “While the media and their partisan allies falsely attacked Georgia’s approach to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting both lives and livelihoods during unprecedented times is paying off for countless Peach State families. Our world-class business environment is attracting jobs and investment from across the country and around the world and more hardworking Georgians are re-entering the workforce.”

Kemp recently signed an executive order he described as designed to "protect Georgia businesses," according to 11 Alive.

During an Aug. 19 press conference, Kemp said the measure frees private businesses from the strains and worry of being forced to follow local government ordinances related to the pandemic.

"Local governments will not be able to force businesses to be the cities' mask police, vaccine police, or any other burdensome restriction that will only lead to employees being let go, revenue tanking and businesses closing their doors," he said, according to 11 Alive.